Outlaws defeat Marist in league opener

The Outlaws defeated defending state champion Marist 54-41 on Tuesday, January 6, at home in the league opener.

The Outlaws were in control of the game the first two quarters. At the close of the first period Sisters held a 10-6 lead and at the half had pushed to a 22-14 advantage.

Sisters was outscored 17-12 in the third quarter and Marist pulled to within three points to close the Outlaw lead to 34-31. Two big three-point shots by Drew Harrison were key to Sisters maintaining the lead.

Marist opened the fourth quarter with a three-point shot to tie the game 34-34. Both teams were good on their next two attempts and the lead changed hands four times. Tyler Miller went on to make a shot on a set play and draw the foul. Miller made his shot at the line and regained the lead for Sisters at 41-39.

Coach Jake Rothauge said, "After Marist took the lead we could have collapsed but we didn't. I was so impressed with the team's composure and attitude."

After Miller's shot the Outlaws went on to outscore the Spartans 13-2. Lee Elder hit a great shot at the buzzer off a Miller assist to secure the win 54-41.

Ross Erickson had a double double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Erickson also had seven assists and five steals in the contest. Levi Rowe had 10 points, including two threes. Drew Harrison contributed eight points, including two threes and Lee Elder pitched in for six.

Miller played well for the Outlaws and really came on strong in the fourth quarter. Miller scored seven of his 13 points in the fourth and finished the night with nine rebounds.

Rothauge said, "Tyler had his best game of the season. He just took over. He got every rebound, scored and made his free throws. They couldn't stop him on the block and his decision making was great. He didn't make one mistake. He was awesome."

Three days later, Sisters was not so fortunate. The Outlaws were bested 50-34 by the Elmira Hawks.

Sisters trailed 10-8 at the close of the first quarter but at the half had tied the game at 18-18. The Outlaws were outscored by two in the third but in the fourth quarter Elmira came on strong and put the game away. The Hawks outscored Sisters 23-9 in the fourth quarter and handed Sisters their first loss in league play.

"It was a very difficult game," said Rothauge. "We didn't come ready to play and they out-hustled, out-rebounded and out-shot us."

Erickson led the Outlaws with 19 points, five rebounds and two steals. Miller scored five points and pulled down five boards. Both Rowe and Harrison contributed four points.

In last week's action on Saturday, January 2, the Outlaws wrapped up their pre-season play with a close 35-33 win at home against Cascade.

The Cougars ran a rare 1-3-1 defense the entire game and it was tough for the Outlaws to play against it.

"We weren't in our normal offensive rhythm because of their zone," said Rothauge. "But the kids were able to make adjustments throughout the game to come out on top."

The Outlaws were to take on the La Pine Hawks at home on Tuesday, January 13, and on Friday they will match up against Pleasant Hill at home at 5:45 p.m.